Remote signal device and control



April 22, 1941. E. A. NEWMAN REMOTE SIGNAL DEVICE AND CONTROL Filed Jan.17, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 west 43 6 1071102 April 22, 1941. E. A. NEWMANREMOTE SIGNAL DEVICE AND CONTROL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 17, 1938,Z'rneatZIJV whwn Z J 0? M Patented Apr. 1941 REMOTE SIGNAL DEVICE ANDCONTROL Ernest A. Newman, Woburn, Mass, assignor of twenty-five onehundredths to Francis G. Chase,

Winchester, Mass.

Application January 17, 1938, Serial No. 185,311

5 Claims. (Cl. 58-19) This invention relates to audible signal devicesand more particularly to signal devices associated with alarm clocks andlike instrumentalities that actuate the signal device at a selectedtime.

It is well known that clocks and like devices are provided with integralaudible signal devices and apparatus for actuating the signal device ata selected time and until the actuation of the signal device is manuallyarrested by means of a switch or like member associated with the signaldevice.

In many instances these signal device or commonly termed alarm clocksare employed to arouse a slumbering person at a given time and areusually positioned at a convenient place in the room of the sleepingperson. These signal devices when actuated not only arouse the intendedperson but invariably disturb other persons within the hearing of thesignal.

When the clock with its associated signal device is placed convenientlyclose to the slumbering person, it is a common occurence, when thesignal is actuated, for the person to operate the switch to arrest thesignal and again fall asleep.

To assure of a person arising at a desired time,

it is the general practice to place the clock and its signal device at adistance from the position of the slumbering person thus requiring theperson to completely arise to eifect the arresting of the signal. It isgenerally accepted that it is not conducive to the best of health for aperson to quickly arise upon being awakened.

Accordingly one of the primary objects of the present invention is toprovide a device that may be remotely disposed fromthe alarm or signalindicating and actuating means and in a manner that will permit a personawakened by the signal to arrest the alarm or signal without immediate-1y arising.

Another object of the present invention is to so arrange and constructthe signal arresting device in a manner that, should the awakened personinadvertently again fall asleep, the signal device will immediatelyfunctior to arouse the person again and will repeat this sequence untilthe person finally arises and manipulates the usual :witch or controlembodied with the alarm or signal device.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined signal deviceand control that may be remotely disposed from and associated with thetime and signal indicating means in such a manner as to awaken a singleindividual at a selected sime without unnecessarily disturbing otherpersons in close proximity to the signal device.

The above objects are intended as a general explanation and are not tobe construed as a limitation as other objects will be evident from thedetailed description forming a part thereof.

with the above recited and other objects in view the invention comprisesa novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described andmore specifically pointed out in the appended claims. I

In theaccompanying drawings 1 have shown my invention embodied with anelectrically actuated clock and a modification embodied with anescapement or mechanically operated clock sufficient to enable thoseskilled'in the art to understand the construction and operation thereof.

It is particularly pointed out that, while I have shown the inventionassociated with a time indicating clock, it is obviousthat the combinedsignal device and control may be associated with other instruments such,for example, as a telephone signal and function with like advantages aspointed out.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an. electrically actuated clock.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the clock illustrated a Fig. 1 and in this viewthe rear cover is omitted.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken substantially along line 3-3, Fig.2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of my combined signal device and manual control.

Fig. 5 is a view corresponding substantially to Fig. 2 but shows agearing arrangement for a time indicating device.

Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the gearing of the time indicatingdevice.

Fig. 7 is a detail plan view of the signal setting and control elements.

Fig. 8 is a view corresponding substantially to Fig. 7 but shows theparts in a different position.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken substantially along line 9--9,Fig. 7, and

Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 9 but shows the parts in adifferent position.

The time indicating devices The clock illustrated at Fig. 1 is providedwith a face plate Ill with the usual digits II and hour and minute handsl2, i3. The hands I2, B are opera-ted, in the now well known manner, byelectric current mechanism embodied in a frame i4 secured to the rear ofthe face plate 10.

Many electric clocks .are provided with socalled alarms or signaldevices that may be set for a selected time and, at the time selected,the alarm or signal device will automatically begin to function. Toaccomplish this function the clock is provided with an indicating devicethat may be set, as indicated, at l5 in Fig. 1, to a selected time. Toeffect actuation of the signal device, in an electrically operated timeindicating device, a circuit having a magnetic vibrating elementassociated therewith is provided that usually embodies a magnetic coilI6 provided with conductor wires l1, l8 which, in the present instance,would be connected in a suitable manner to an alternating current sourceof power.

This circuit is provided with a magnetically actuated vibrating elementwhich, in the time indicating device illustrated, comprises a pivotedarm l9 having a terminating end 190, that is adapted to be attracted tothe core [6a of the magnetic coil [6 when the lever is released from itsset position, as indicated by broken lines at The arm I9 is providedwith a resilient exten sion lag that engages with a transverse member ofthe clock frame and normally urges the arm IE to its operative position.This arm i9 is restrained in inoperative position by the alarm arrestinglever arm 26 as this arm 20 is moved to the left and engages with acam-like portion [9d of the arm l9. The alarm arresting lever arm 20 isprovided with an extension 45 forming a handle for the convenientmanipulation of the lever arm 20 to its pivot. At Figs. 2 and 5 thelever arm 20 is disposed in a disengaged position that permits the arm[9 to operatively function. As this lever arm 26 is moved to the right,to its engaging position, indicated by broken lines, Fig. 2, it engageswith the cam portion I901 of the arm l9 and disposes the arm IS in aninoperative and locked position against the spring action of the armportion Hg and further retains the arm IS in this inoperative positionwhere the arm terminating end ISa is separated from and cannotoperatively engage with the core l6a. When the lever-arm 20 is againmoved to the left, to its disengaging position; that is, out of theengaging path of the cam portion 19d, the arm [9 is free to beautomatically released, by the time controlled mechanism, laterdescribed herein, and urged, by the spring-like extension lg to itsoperative position relative to the core l6a.

In the usual construction, the arm I9 is provided with an extension inthe form of a ball or other device. (not shown) that is adapted toengage with a portion of the clock as the arm I9 is actuated by thecurrent that energizes the magnetic coil and which causes the arm I 9 tovibrate or oscillate in the well-known manner to form. what may beconveniently termed-a vibrating device.

In the present instance, I have eliminated the ball or other device (notshown) that is usually associated with the arm l9, as this form ofdevice is not desired with the present remote device and control.

While the elements required for the operation of the clock, the settingand actuating of the signal device may be of any of the usual and wellknown arrangements, for purposes of illustration, the presentimprovement is embodied with F a structure having a rotor 50 and.associated field poles 5i, forming a synchronous brake structure thataccurately controls the speed of operation of the clock in accordancewith the frequency of the current supplied as is now well known andcommonly used in electrically operated timing devices. The rotor 50,thru the pinion 53, rotates the main gear 54 and this main gear, thru asuitable intermediate gear train comprising gears 55, 56, 51, 58 and 59-together with their associated pinions 54a, 55a, 56a, 51a and 59aactuates the usual second, minute and hour hands.

The pinion 59a, of the gear train, continuously rotates the time signalgear 66. This gear 66 is provided with a hub 66a having a. cam facednotch 66b in its face. The gear 60 and its hub 60a are adapted to freelyrotate and slide upon the normally stationary signal setting shaft 6|. Adisc 62- is secured to oneend of the shaft 6! and the outer face of thedisc 62 is provided with indicia which may be rotated until the desirednumeral or indicating mark appears in the face opening l5 of the clockand at which time the signal device is set to operate in the mannerhereinafter mentioned. It is to be noted that the inner face of the disc62 is provided with 8. lug 62a that is adapted to coact with the hubnotch 60b and the gear 60 and its hub are continuously urged toward thedisc 62 by a, spring member 63.

As the gear 66 is continuously rotated, the disc lug 62a bears againstthe end face of the gear hub 60a thus depressing the spring member 63,see Fig. 7, until the gear notch 601) has rotated to a point alignedwith the disc-lug 62a and thus permits the spring member 63 to slide thegear and its hub 60a outwardly into operative position against the disc62, see Fig. 8.

When it is desired to have the time signal device operate, the arm 20 ofthe control lever 45 is moved to the left as aforesaid, and out ofengagement with the cam portion 19d of the vibrating arm l9 and thus,when the spring member 63 moves the gear 60 into operative position, thecam face 63a of the spring member 63 will permit the spring extension Haof the vibrator arm ill to actuate this arm into operative engagement,see Figs. 2, 8, 9 and 10, and, in the usual instance the arm end |9awill operatively engage with the core |6a of the magnetic coil IS in thewell known manner to form a. contact and vibrate thus making a buzzingsound or signal.

As the gear 60 continues to rotate, in the direction of the arrow, Fig.8, the cam face of the hub notch 60b will cause the gear 60 to slideinwardly depressing the spring member and engaging the cam face 63a withthe vibrator lever 19, see Fig. 9 and thereby restraining its operation.

Electrically operated clocks of the foregoing character and theirfunctions are now well known and circuits having a magnetic vibratingelement associated therewith are, in themselves, commonly known and usedin various ways as, for example, the usual call bell and like devices,therefore, a further detailed description of these devices is thought tobe unnecessary as their associ-- ation with the present invention willsubsequently be more fully described.

Remote signal device and control I have preferred to show my remotesignal device and control associated with one of the electricallyoperated alarm or signal clocks as it is at present constructed so as toshow a practical embodiment of the present device utilizing a part of anelectrical circuit having a vibrating element associated therewith thatis already embodied in the clock and also to show how this so-calledvibrating signal device and its associated parts may be adapted tofunction, with additional elements,

,embodiedwitnthe time indicating device and provided with suitableoutlets that may be connected, as by means of the commonly employedconnecting plugs, to an electrical circuit having a magneticallyactuated vibrating element associated therewith so that the circuit willfunction in the present intended manner,therei ore the present deviceand arrangements of parts is to be construed as for illustrativepurposes only and as showing a practical embodiment oi the presentinvention.

Where. the context permits, the vibrating elements are to be construedas embodied in and forming a part of the electrical circuit.

In the present illustrated device and to form a magnetically "actuatedcircuit switch adapted .to be embodied with the time indicating device,I have provided a pair of opposed spring blades 26, 26 having one oftheir ends secured in an insulating block 21 and normally in a spacedrela tion to one another when the circuit is open. The blades 26, 26 andtheir supporting block 21 are associated with the time indicating devicemagnetic coil l6 and electrical circuit for a purpose later mentioned.The blade 25 is preferably provided with a contact point or both bladesmay be provided with like points as is well understood.

To the switch blade 25 is attached a conductor wire 26 that connectswith the conductor wire i8 01 the main current supply to the clock ortime indicating device. The conductor wire 26 is provided, in thisinstance, with a fuse 29.

Connected to the switch blade 26 is one end of a conductor wire 30 thatextends to and connects with a magnetic coil 3i. A second conductor wire32 has one end thereof connected with this magnetic coil 3| and itsopposed end connected with the main circuit conductor wire ll. Theseconductor wires 30, 32 may be of any desired length to permit of themagnetic coil 3|, comprising a part of the remote signal, 1 to be placedas may be desired.

The magnetic coil 3| may be of any of the usual and well knownconstructions and with the present type is provided with an iron core 3:that magnetically attracts the vibrator arm 33 and th action of thecurrent, passing through the coil 3!, causes the arm 33 to be vibrated,with a degree of noise, against the core 31a. The vibrator arm 33 is ofa resilient construction and has one end thereof fixed at 34 to asuitable stationary support 35. This arm 33 may be provided with anauxiliary clapper 330., as shown, to assist in the volume of noisecreated by the vibrations of the arm. Associated with the vibratingelements 33', 33a is a resilient arm 36 having one end secured at 36a tothe support 35 and its opposite end engaged by an adjusting screw 31 andby means of the arm 36 and screw 37 the space within which the elements33, 33a may vibrate may be adjusted to control the amount of noise thatthese elements will create when vibrated.

The magnetic coil 3i and its coacting elements are conveniently mountedin a suitable casing 36 that is provided with a projecting push button39. The inner end of the push button 33 engages with the resilient arm36 and this arm urges the button to its normal inoperative or outwardlyprojecting position. As the button 33 is depressed, itcauses the arm 36to be deflected against the vibrating elements 33, m and Operation ofremote signal device and control In an electrically actuated timeindicating device such as is illustrated at'Flgs. 1 and 2, the signaldevice and control contained in the casing 36 may be positioned underthe pillow of a person to be awakened at a predetermined time and forwhich the time indicating device-has been set to causethe signal deviceto be actuated. Through the adjusting screw 31 the volume of the signalmay be controlled to a degree so that, when the signal device isoperating under the pillow of the selected person, while the volume ofthe signal will be sufllcient to disturb and awaken that person, it willbe insuflicient to disturb a person slumbering in close proximitythereto.

When the signal device indicating mechanism functions in its well knownmanner at a set time, the lever I9 is released from its held posi tion,as indicated by broken lines, Fig. 2, and

the end thereof is drawn by the magnetic core end Ilia into closevibrating engagement therewith in the usual manner, but, as previouslymentioned, the lever l9 has been modified so that it does not functiondirectly in its previously intended manner; that is, as an element ofthe clock audible signal device. The engaging action of the magneticcore I60. and leverl9 causes the angular face He, of the lever endmember i9b, to force the switch blades 25, 26 into operative engagementwith one another. As the switch blades 25, 26 are operatively engagedthey close the circuit to energize the remotely positioned magnetic coil3| and thus cause the signal elements 33, 33a to vibrate until the pushbutton 39 is manually depressed to arrest movement 01' the vibratingelements as previously described. It is apparent that, should theawakened person, manually depressing the button, inadvertently againfall asleep, the muscles holding the button 39 depressed would relaxthus permitting the spring arm 36 to urge the button outwardly to itsinoperative position releasing the elements 33, 33a which resume theirvibrating movements until the button 39 is again manually depressed orthe person arises and operates the lever 65, embodied in the timeindicating device, to move and restrain the switch lever I! in itsinoperative position shown by broken lines Fig. 2, and thus breaking thecircuit to the remote signal device.

.Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. An electric energizing circuit having a time actuated means to effectoperation of said circuit at a selected time, said circuit including anaudiblesignal device having a vibrating element that is remotelydisposed relative to said time actuated means, said signal deviceincluding a member adapted to arrest vibration of said elementwhile saidmember is operatively engaged and to permit vibration of said elementwhen said member is released.

2. A time indicating signal device embodying a casing, a vibratingelement within said casing, a manually operable member associated withsaid element and adapted to arrest movement thereof while said member isheld in operative engagement with said element and to permit movement ofsaid element when said member is manually released, and time controlledremotely disposed energizing means adapted to cause actuation of saidelement when released at a selected time.

3. An audible signal device embodying a vibrating element, a manuallyoperable member associated with said element and adapted to arrestmovement thereof while said member is held in operative engagement withsaid element and to permit movement of said element when said member-ismanually released, and a time controled remotely disposed energizingsource connected to said element and adapted to actuate said signaldevice at a selected time when said member is released.

4. A time indicating device having electrically energized means foroperating said device and an electric current for said means; a normallyopen second circuit associated with said device, a circuit controlswitch associated with said device and said second circuit, meansactuated by said time indicating device to automatically close saidswitch at a selective time to close said second electric circuit,releasable means for retaining said switch in open position, an audiblesignal mechanism adapted to be remotely positioned relative to saiddevice and associated with said second circuit, spring controlledpressible means associated with said signal mechanism for manuallyinterrupting said signal when said switch is closed, said pressiblemeans being eiiective to permit continued actuation of said signal uponmanual release of said pressible means while said second circuit remainsclosed.

5. A time indicating device with electrically energized means foroperating said device and an electric circuit for said means; a normallyopen second circuit associated with said device,

a circuit control switch associated with said device and said secondcircuit, means actuated by said time indicating device to automaticallyclose said switch at a selective time and operably complete said secondcircuit, an audible signal mechanism adapted to be remotely positionedrelative to said device, conductor wires forming part of said secondcircuit connecting said signal mechanism with said switch,spring-controlled pressible means associated with said signal mechanismand adapted to be manually operated to interrupt said signal mechanismwhen said last means is manually pressed and when released to permitcontinued actuation of said signal mechanism while said second circuitcon trol switch remains operatively closed and releasable means directlyassociated with said control switch for retaining said switch in an openposition.

ERNEST A. NEWMAN.

